KARA LEIGH MILLER WITH HER NEW Y/A NOVEL

Hi, Kara, it's wonderful to have you return to my blog to tell us about your new Y/A novel.

Tell us, everything you've written thus far has been erotic romance, correct? So, what made you decide to write a young adult novel? 

 

 

Yes, all of my books up to this point are contemporary erotic romances. The Georgia Corbins is a young adult romance. I knew it was risky to write in a genre on the other end of the spectrum using the same pen name, but the idea for the Corbins came to me and I knew I had to write it. Believe me; I tried to ignore it, hoping it would go away. It didn't, so I wrote it. And I really do love this story and these characters. I'm hoping that adult readers will enjoy it as much as young adult readers.

 

Did you find it difficult to write a book without any sex in it?

Yes and no. It definitely took a lot of mental adjustment on my part not to throw around too many sexual thoughts, images, and language. But, the sad reality is that today's teens know so much more about sex than I ever did at their age. I'm beginning to worry that maybe the book is going to come across as too 'soft' compared to other books they read.

 

What advice would you give to an author who wants to write young adult?

Read it! Read lots and lots of young adult books. Study the genre, learn the "rules" and follow them. Personally, I found it very helpful to go to Amazon (or Goodreads) and read customer reviews of other YA books. It provided a lot of insight into what readers like and don't like about certain plots and characters. For example, I read a ton of reviews (ranging from 5* to 1*) and every single one of them had something negative to say about a character who had cheated on her boyfriend. What did I learn? Don't write about a cheating character!

 

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

It has to be noisy. I know how crazy that sounds, but I live in a house with 5 kids, 1 husband, 3 cats, and 2 puppies. There is no such thing as quiet in my house. lol. And on the rare occasions when it is quiet, I can't get anything done other than goof off on Twitter and Facebook.

 If your publisher offered to fly you anywhere to research your next book, where would you go?

Hmm, that's a tough one. Immediately I thought of the Caribbean, but, it might be nice to visit Georgia. Or possibly the UK. Oh, or Australia...I think I might have to get back to you on this one. lol.

Ha, ha, so many places. Let's take an around the world cruise and visit them all. Just think of the scenic wonders we both could offer our readers.

Let's show the readers your wonderful cover and throw in a little about the novel.

 

 

 

Ali Philips never thought anything could be more devastating than the day Levi and Tucker Corbin, her two best friends—her only friends—moved away. Three years passed without a single phone call, text message, or email from them and she’s resolved to the fact that she will probably never see them again. Until one morning when she comes face-to-face with Levi Corbin in physics class. 

Little does she know, the Corbins have returned to Haldeen with only one thing on their minds: winning Ali’s heart. Ali soon finds herself in the middle of a love triangle she doesn’t want any part of. As she tries to reclaim the friendships she’s lost and to adjust to the unfamiliar feelings she’s having, she struggles with making the one decision that will forever change their lives: Levi or Tucker Corbin? 

She’s always had a special bond with Tucker and feels most comfortable when she’s with him. But Levi brings her to life in a way she didn’t think was possible and makes her feel things she didn’t think she would ever feel. Torn between the two, Ali is certain of only one thing–by the time it’s over, she’ll lose one of her best friends.

 

 

 

Oh, nice tease. Please share the buy links with us.

Buy Links: http://www.entrancedpublishing.com/imprints/blush/the-georgia-corbins/

Add to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17669136-the-georgia-corbins

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/HQeur_ftAno

 

To celebrate the release of The Georgia Corbins, Kara Leigh Miller is giving away exciting prizes. The Grand Prize, which is open to US residents only, includes a signed copy of The Georgia Corbins, The Georgia Corbins hardcover journal and postcards, The Georgia Corbins tote bag, Kara Leigh Miller pens and notebooks, and Legasea bookmarks.

Second and third prizes are an ebook copy of The Georgia Corbins, and one lucky person will win a first chapter critique. International entries are welcome. Good luck! Winners will be announced July 1^st.

Go here to enter for a chance to win! http://www.karaleighmiller.com/p/the-georgia-corbins-blog-tour-schedule.html 

 

 About the Author:

Born and raised in the small town of Mexico, New York, Kara was an only child who was forced to find ways to entertain herself. Playing make believe with her Barbie dolls and stuffed animals was her first real taste of storytelling before she became old enough to develop a love affair with the written word. In early 2010, Kara picked up her very first erotic romance novel, and she was instantly hooked. She loves to write contemporary romance, erotica, and young adult romance. Currently she has several full-length novels in the works, a series of novellas, and a handful of short stories. Kara is an active member of the CNY Creative Writers Café and the CNY Romance Writers. Today, Kara resides in New Haven, New York with her husband, five kids, and three cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s thinking about reading and writing. And when she’s not doing that, she’s spending time with her family and friends.

Author Social Media Links:

Blog: http://www.karaleighmiller.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaraLeighMille1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraLeighMiller?fref=ts

 

Thanks for letting me stop by today, Lorrie! As always, it's been a blast. I'm curious, what do your readers/followers think of YA? Do you read any of it? If so, what are your favorites? If you don't read it, why not? Inquiring minds want to know...

Always a pleasure to have you on my blog, Kara.

Please give Kara your thoughts below. We'd love to hear from you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      


 

H.K. CARLTON ON WRITING WITH ACCENTS AND ONE FREE GIVEAWAY

Hello H.K. It's wonderful to have you on myblog today. You pose such an interesting question for our readers. I've always wondered about an accent myself. I'll be curious to know what our commenters have to say.

 

 

From the moment that the idea for my latest historical romance with MuseItUp Publishing The Devil Take You, took shape in my mind, it was one of those magical tales that I am afraid might be a once-in-a-writer’s-career kind of experience. (but I hope not) From first draft, to submission, to edits, to art and release, I have had the most amazing time. With a combination of one of my favourite genres, and the Scottish and British history that I love, I set out on a journey with my anti-hero, bad boy, Gard Marschand that will stay with me for a very long time.

 

But while I was in the middle of editing The Devil Take You with my fabulous editors from MuseItUp Publishing, I came across an interesting question posed on Facebook.

 

When writing a book with characters that have an accent, is writing phonetic dialogue good or bad? What would the reader like? More or less? Or not at all?

 

I am a historical romance reader from way back and I love phonetic dialogue, that’s just my opinion. Not to the point where it becomes difficult to read or imagine or it is so lacerated that the understanding becomes obscured, or that you have to continually go back and read the sentence again, but just enough to give you that distinct brogue or individual bit of identifying enunciation, so that you can hear it while you read it.

 

But the consensus on the post seemed to be that most readers would like it clearly stated in the beginning of the book that a character has said accent and the rest left up to their imagination.

 

We were knee deep in edits of a 147,000+ word manuscript and I was left wondering if I was doing the right thing by keeping the phonetic speech in my book.  After careful consideration with both of my editors I believe we did what was best for The Devil Take You. Thank you Susan and Nancy. I think we did good. (and that sentence alone, is why I have editors) :D

 

So, I’ve come ta the conclusion, tha’ wha’ the people want is, the age auld adage, Less is More.  But I’ll most like, still do wha’e’er, fits righ’ with the next character I write wit’ an accent. (I’ve been toying with a hockey player with a French Canadian accent. He’s quite ‘th’ challenged. They all come out as d’s.) J LOL

 

Readers and Authors alike, I would love to know your opinion on this. Leave a comment and I’ll give away a copy of The Devil Take You to one lucky commenter, at the end of the three days. Don’t forget to leave an e-mail address.

 

Thanks so much for stopping and thank you, Lorrie. You are a wonderful host.

 

(Reader advisory : (I hope) No Scotsman, Englishmen or Frenchmen were harmed in the making of this post)

 

Cheers,

 

H K

 

 

 

 

Blurb The Devil Take You:

 

Scotland—1307—During the Scottish Wars of Independence

 

Gard Marschand will stop at nothing in his pursuit to regain what is lost. Concealing his true identity, he will associate with his enemies, kill his own countrymen, even sell his soul to the devil if all else fails. He will lie, cheat, steal, rape and siege his way across two countries gaining power and reputation in his malevolent wake. His determination all consuming, until King Edward commands Gard to lay siege on Ross-shire holding, where Braelynn Galbraith obliterates his single-minded purpose.

 

Braelynn Galbraith wants peace for her beloved Scotland, marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Callum, and a house full of children. In that order. But evil incarnate in the form of Gard Marschand, turns her life inside out and destroys all hope of a decent marriage.

 

Can Gard abandon his deep-seated need of revenge for a love that might just save his soul, or will he succumb to the demons that hound him and surrender to the devil within?

 

I believe you stay in purgatory has only just begun…

 

Excerpt:

 

Brae knew not what woke her. She was loath to move lest the security of the

strong arms abandoned her, so warm and content. Brae breathed deeply filling her lungs. The foreign but appealing new smell pleased her senses; she wanted more of it.

 

Awareness came slowly, ’twas not a dream, nor a nightmare, but her reality for

the moment. She opened her eyes and stared into the blackness of Marschand’s chest.

 

“Braelynn,” a harsh whisper reached her.

 

Her gaze darted to the man holding her and she waited to see if he’d heard it too.

He did not move; his deep even breathing signified sleep. She turned slowly onto her other side. Her leg ached deeply. She peeked out from under his black cape.

 

“Brae.” Hovering just above the lip of the dais she looked into the blue eyes of

Callum’s best friend.

 

“Duncan,” Brae quietly acknowledged. He was to stand up for them at their

wedding. His eyes opened wider as he reached toward her nodding his encouragement for her to take his hand and escape her captor.

 

Brae knew, even if she attempted to flee, it would be bad for her but even worse

for Duncan. She knew not what these men were capable and she would not test it out on her friend. This brave man putting himself in jeopardy to help her. ’Twas more than Callum had done. She could not risk his safety.

 

Her eyes filled and she managed to convey her sorrow. She shook her head and

turned back into the warm dark man at her back. She silently sobbed into his chest, feeling as if her life might never be the same.

 

Just when she thought she’d managed the small deception without waking her

captor, his deep voice broke the silence. “Good choice.” His arms tightened once

again around her.

 

The Devil Take You © 2013 by H K Carlton

 

 

 

Book Links The Devil Take You:

 

MuseItUp Publishing https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=729&category_id=69&manufacturer_id=246&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

Amazon Canada http://www.amazon.ca/The-Devil-Take-You-ebook/dp/B00D3T1P8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369974520&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Devil+Take+YOu

 

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Devil-Take-You-ebook/dp/B00D3T1P8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369974425&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Devil+Take+YOu 

 

Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/The-Devil-Take-You-ebook/dp/B00D3T1P8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369974356&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Devil+Take+You

 

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-devil-take-you-hk-carlton/1115470143?ean=2940016444895

 

Kobo http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Devil-Take-You/book-7k-d-3xoKUG1OZy2d_OL8w/page1.html?s=07muL9nOW0mEKuLmfTqjwg&r=1

 

Author Bio:

 

H K Carlton is a multi-published Canadian author of historical, erotic and contemporary romance. She lives in Ontario with her hard working husband and lovely teenage daughter. She also has two grown sons.

 

Author Links:

 

H K’s Blog http://pickagenrealready.blogspot.ca

 

Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorHKCarlton

 

Facebook www.facebook.com/authorhk.carlton

 

Manic Readers http://www.manicreaders.com/HKCarlton/

 

Amazon Author Page

http://www.amazon.com/HK-Carlton/e/B009KVR7EW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

 

So, what do you think readers?

Don't forget, one commenter will win a free download, so let's read them.

 

Besides, we do love comments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMBER DAULTON WITH A SUBJECT DEAR TO HER HEART

Hello, Amber, and welcome to my blog.I understand you want to tell us about a pet subject of yours today, and of course I mean that two ways.

 

 First of all, thank you so much Lorrie for hosting me today on your awesome blog. It’s great to be here.

 

I absolutely adore cats.

 

Currently, I am a mother to five furry ninjas who think THEY own the house, and I just live there. Each of my kitties possesses their own personality and they make my life crazy sometimes, but I’m not here to talk about how wonderfully sweet they are (cough cough---mean little devils). Instead, let’s talk about the best thing a pet owner can do for their pets: spaying and neutering them.

 

But what are spay/neuters, you might ask? Well, in a nutshell, spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus from a female animal and neutering is the removal of the testicles from the male animal. Spaying requires minimal hospitalization and neutering is out-patient surgery.

 

>>>Anastasia

 

 

There are several benefits of spaying. Female dogs and cats no longer desire to roam about in search of a mate as often as they once did. Even though most people believe spaying eliminates an animal’s heat cycle, every spayed female dog or cat I cared for still went into heat, but not as often and with less bad behavior. Spaying also reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors and eliminates uterine and ovarian cancer, especially if done before the first heat cycle which usually begins at the age of five or six months. The animals are also less prone to urinary tract infections. Spaying obviously reduces the number of unwanted puppies and kittens, which saves thousands from ending up in high-kill shelters or from living a rough life as an unwanted stray. Last but not least, spayed dogs and cats have the opportunity to live healthier, longer lives.

 

 

                                                          >>>Darby

 

 

The benefits of neutering male dogs and cats are just as important. Neutered males are less aggressive and they don’t spray as often, if at all, to mark their territory. Neutered males are still able to perform sexually but they no longer want or need the company of females as much as they once did. With a reduced desire to roam, becoming injured in fights or auto accidents is less likely, as well as being lost or stolen. There is also an eliminated risk of testicular cancer and decreased risk of prostate disease. And, as with females, neutering prevents unwanted puppies and kittens so the dogs and cats already alive in the world have a better chance to live a longer, safer life.

 

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that shelters euthanize around 4 million cats and dogs each year. That’s about an animal every eight seconds or 70,000 a day. Even though that number sounds far too high, statistics don’t lie. Plus, it costs taxpayers and private humanitarian agencies approximately 2 billion dollars a year to capture/provide shelter/food/medical treatment for these animals and to pay for the euthanasia that claims their lives.

According to a HSUS report from 1973, 13 million animals were euthanized per year before the public became aware of the overpopulation problem and began spaying/neutering their pets. Even though the number has dropped, it’s not good enough.

 

Spaying and neutering is cheap compared to the nationwide price of euthanasia listed above. Depending on where you live and your income level, spays or neuters can range from $60 to $100. Low income programs are available in most small towns and large cities alike that offer surgery for free or at a very low cost.

                    Dexter

The procedures are very safe. Licensed veterinarians along with vet aids perform the surgeries after administering general anesthesia to the animals. Your pets do not feel any pain but may experience some soreness after the surgery which will last for just a few hours to a few days. Ask the vet for medication if you are concerned about possible discomfort.

 

 

Cats and dogs are eligible for surgery at eight-weeks-old. Most females can have two or three litters a year, anywhere from one to ten babies per litter (or more!), and the males can impregnate as many un-spayed females as they can find. Just think about those numbers! Since cats can become pregnant as young as five months old, and dogs as young as six months old, it’s best to schedule the appointment as soon as possible. Remember, the younger the animal is, the faster he/she will heal.

 

If you have female pets that recently gave birth, wait until she weaned the babies before spaying her. It’s possible that the nursing mother could become pregnant again so it’s a good idea to keep her away from unneutered males. Or you could just get the males neutered, and then get her spayed at a later date!

   >>>Pepper                                                   

 

If you believe she will become pregnant again before she weaned the litter, a vet can perform a ‘Flank Spay’, which is more expensive and intrusive than a regular spay. Instead of removing the reproductive organs from an incision in the lower abdomen (where the milk ducts are), a vet can remove them on the left side of the cat’s body. That way, the lactating momma can still nurse without her babies possibly causing damage to her healing incision. Otherwise, she may refuse to nurse them and then the babies could starve, if not given milk supplements.

You can also spay a cat or dog if she’s pregnant. During surgery, the vet removes the uterus and embryos, hence terminating the pregnancy. That’s a tough choice to make but with all the unwanted animals out there, and the difficult process it is to find good, caring homes, it might be the best choice. Anyhow, it’s your decision to make.

 Some people believe that only females require sterilization. While it’s true that females carry and give birth, it takes TWO to tango! Now, if your pet is in-door only and you do not worry about possible behavioral or physical problems, then save your money and don’t call a vet. Intact animals can live rich, wonderful lives without the surgery. But if your boys pee on the wall or scratches the furniture or your girls yowl while in heat and backs her booty against the wall, then call a vet. Those behavioral problems will only get worse with age.

 

>>>Stormy

 

Remember, dogs and cats are warm-blooded animals just like humans. Sexually frustration is common for them and they’ll do anything, even escape from their nice, safe home to find a mate. (So spaying/neutering is a good idea, just in case.)

 

On a side note… For all the stubborn men out there (you know who you are), it isn’t true that your male dog is ‘less of a man’ if neutered. In fact, your dog should feel lucky! He can have all the fun he wants and not worry about paying for puppy support.

Everyone should do his or her duty to take care of their pets and prevent more babies from being born. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. There just aren’t enough loving homes or kind-enough people to take in every puppy or kitten born or to adopt an aging animal who needs love in his/hers twilight years. There are also many adoptable animals surrendered to shelters because their families can no longer provide. These healthy adults, even the sterilized ones, face little hope of finding a new home in a world where many people just don’t care.

 I’m a firm believer in sterilizing pets (as you’ve probably guessed) and I hope that you are to.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

For more information about Spays and Neuters

 

 

http://spayusa.org/benefits.php

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter/

http://www.paws.org/why-spay-neuter.html

http://pets.thenest.com/spaying-cat-lactating-9355.html

http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2013/03/21/Why-We-Euthanize.aspx

http://www.humanesociety.org/animal_community/resources/qa/common_questions_on_shelters.html

 Okay, Amber, time to show us your book cover.

 

 

Forever Winter
 

 

After two disastrous London seasons, Susanna Lorican received a marriage proposal from a neighborhood friend, an esteemed Viscount, which saved her family from society gossip. She had adored him since childhood but never expected the man of her dreams to reciprocate the feelings. Susanna soon planned the perfect Christmas Eve wedding but never expected a snowstorm to barrel through the English countryside on the morning of the nuptials.

 Viscount Camden Beckinworth had lived the life of a devil-may-care rake until his parents’ premature death five years earlier. Returning home to save the crumbling family business, he cast aside his personal life and buried himself in his parents’ finances, focusing on nothing but honoring his family name. Once he decided that it was time to take a wife, now that the business thrived, he finally realized that the annoying little sister of his two best childhood friends had grown into a lovely woman. Needing her by his side, he pledged to take the headstrong miss as his wife.

 Susanna and Camden vowed to let nothing thwart their long-awaited day, even though icy roads delayed the dress and several guests. But when the reverend fell from his horse and injured his head, they had little choice but to postpone. To worsen matters, Susanna’s insufferable brother-in-law cornered and then assaulted her in the library.

 Despite their trials and tribulations, the young couple never wavered from their goal: marriage and a long life together. After all, happily ever after came only once in a lifetime.

 Links

 Blogsite - http://amberdaultonauthor.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook Author Page - www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.author

Facebook Friend Page - www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.5

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AmberDaulton1

Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton

Google Plus - plus.google.com/u/0/110099048961325762869/about/p/pub

Amazon Author Page - http://amzn.to/14JoZff 

Books to Go Now Homepage - http://bookstogonow.com/index.html

Buy Book from Amazon - http://amzn.to/XmHYda

About the Author

 So… you want a little information about me? Hmmm, what to say? There’s just so much but let’s start with the basics.

Books to Go Now published my first novella, Forever Winter, in March 2013. As a debut author, I find that promoting is more time-consuming than actually writing. Several author friends have shared that knowledge with me before but I never really understood what they meant until recently.

My mind is a wonderland of romance, laughter and really awesome ways of kicking a guy when he’s down. Writing is my passion and I probably wouldn’t be too sane without it. After all, what’s a girl to do when there are people jabbering away in her head and there’s no way to shut them up? Write! That’s the only answer I found that works.

I live in the lovely foothills of North Carolina with my supportive husband and five adorable little kitties! I work in retail but I’d love to write full-time someday. My hobbies include hiking, gardening, reading (of course!), scrapbooking, and watching movies or TV shows.

I love hearing from readers. Feel free to drop me a line!

 

Feel free to offer your comments to Amber. Besides, we love comments.

Leave yours for Amber below.